I get a lot of unexpected screeners in the mail, as is the case with this film, Diagnosis Death, a low-budget horror comedy that many have compared to films like Shawn of the Dead and Severance.  I disagree with that comparison in more ways than one.

     The film revolves around two people, a man, Andre (Raybon Kan), and a woman, Juliet (Jessica Grace Smith); two people who don’t really care much for what has become of their lives so they agree, to be part of an experimental drug treatment process which takes place in a haunted asylum run by a group of odd medical professionals. When the drugs begin to take effect, the two find themselves experiencing hallucinations involving demonic sprits and a double murder.  As any horror fan knows, the putative point of this experiment will not match what its subject were told.

     I found myself struggling with Diagnosis Death from the start. The first scene, which involves a ghost, that looks like he jumped out of the Scooby Doo movies, really had me shaking my head and saying to myself, “Here we go again.” This is supposed to be a horror comedy, but it really isn't funny. A few scenes garnish a chuckle or two, but the film is simply boring. It's not that the script is terribly written, it’s just that the type of comedy in the film is not my cup of tea. It tries hard to match wits with other great horror comedies, but it does not even compare. It may be enjoyed by those who laugh at other third-rate knock-off midnight comedies. I, for one, was not amused.

     The film has some decent acting for a film of its kind. The performances are comedic enough for the subgenre.  Apparently, some members of the cast of the TV show Flight of the Conchords are part of this film, and although I know nothing about the show, it does seem to have a following of some kind, containing people who really enjoy the skits and such slight comedy as they may find therein. I assume that fandom of the program is a requirement to understanding Diagnosis Death. The visuals are generally cartoonish, although there are some make-up effects that are very well done. The production value is basic and boring with sets that look bare and locations that don’t seem to fit the mood. It's not a scary film whatsoever. I assume the lack of frightfulness is as intentional as the lack of humor is not.

     If you are a fan of such TV fare as Flight of the Conchords and Reno 911, you may enjoy this one. Aa a fan, you can watch those shows for free. I, however, cannot recommend paying money to see this film.

- Horror Bob

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